Beginner Friendly Sites?

Swizz · Since 25 Jul 2011 11 Posts Salem

Hey everyone, I did a forum search and didn't find anything concisely outlining beginner friendly sites in the gorge and elsewhere, so I'm curious what your recommendations are.

I'm more or less fresh out of lessons (with a few solo sessions @ Detroit Lake). I'm confident in my board and kite skills and have no problem with all the basic skills and navigating the crazy boat traffic on the lake, but I am still in need of a little more work on staying upwind (I'm at about 90% right now).

I was thinking about the Event site for this weekend, but I'm a little hesitant with all the traffic coming in and out of there and I don't have anyone to "show me the way." I would greatly appreciate any recommendations!

Thanks everyone!

Jonpnw · Fri Aug 05, 11 2:18 pm

If your from Salem, go to Floras lake.

Jones Beach, Sauvies are friendly. The wind is inconsistent at Sauvies.

Swizz · Since 25 Jul 2011 11 Posts Salem

Thanks!

I would love to head to Floras Lake, but it's a four and a half hour drive for me! Jones sounds pretty good, but I thought wind predictions looked pretty light for this weekend. Are the predictions pretty accurate or very much just predictions?

WaterGirl · Since 02 Jul 2011 6 Posts Salem, OR Kook

You might want to try Siletz Bay in Lincoln City by Mo's Restaurant. That's where I am getting my lessons. Watch out for tide changes and logs though. Here is a link to a video of the bay.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpG4zdVbOgs

WaterGirl · Since 02 Jul 2011 6 Posts Salem, OR Kook

Which part of Detroit lake did you kite and how was it? How was the wind? I've never heard of anybody kiting there.

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

Jones for sure. Wide open, a quarter of a mile of beach, and not that many people.

Swizz · Since 25 Jul 2011 11 Posts Salem

Thanks WaterGirl!

Saturday afternoon is looking pretty solid over there! I think that might be a good call. Are you taking your lesson's this weekend?

Swizz · Since 25 Jul 2011 11 Posts Salem

Are you heading to Jones this weekend Beej?

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

Yeah, just PM'd you. Newbs unite!

If the forecast solidifies there, I'm planning on it. If it doesn't, then, I'll have to find somewhere with wind...

Swizz · Since 25 Jul 2011 11 Posts Salem

@WaterGirl, the wind at Detroit is actually pretty good! This time of year it's pretty reliable in the afternoons. The wind is really gusty up by the dam, but gets smooth about a 1/4 mile downwind from there. As you get back towards Blowout it gets very unpredictable and swirly.

As for the launch, it's tricky at best. You have to launch off of a boat, so if you have a boat, or know someone who has a boat and is a good driver, it is doable. If you get to that point, let me know and I'll give you some tips for success.

WaterGirl · Since 02 Jul 2011 6 Posts Salem, OR Kook

I was going for the lesson today but the wind failed me Crying or Very sad

Busy this weekend, so most likely will be doing that on Monday if the wind picks up. Nice to meet a local kiteboarder. Not a lot of us here in Salem Smile

Did you start of with a used kite or a new one right after your lessons?

Swizz · Since 25 Jul 2011 11 Posts Salem

Sorry to hear that, it sucks getting classes cancelled. I had mine cancelled two times in a row before I made it out. The good news is that wind in Lincoln City is looking solid for Monday afternoon!

I'm glad to see there are other people in the Salem area who are interested in kiting. I only know of two other people around here that kite, but they are both extremely busy and rarely get out.

Actually, I was so confident in liking this sport that I bought a (very) lightly used 8m 2011 Cabrinha Switchblade before the lesson. Right after my lesson I bought another used kite, a 14m 2010 Liquid Force Havoc so I would have a kite for Detroit.